Method and apparatus for assembling parts

ABSTRACT

A method and an apparatus for fixing a part and a part support for mounting the part by use of adhesive via an intermediate member are disclosed. The adhesive is implemented by photocuring adhesive while the intermediate member is formed of a material transparent for light. The intermediate member is free from coloring and deformation when illuminated by light for curing the adhesive. The adhesive is prevented from dropping or turning round to other portions during assembly.

This application is a Division of application Ser. No. 09/237,661 filedon Jan. 27, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,224,709.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus forassembling parts and more particularly to a method and an apparatus forfixing with adhesive a part and a part support for mounting the part viaan intermediate member or members provided between the part and the partsupport.

Generally, to fix a part and a part support via a bracket-likeintermediate member positioned between the part and the part support, ithas been customary to fasten the part and part support and theintermediate member by using screws. Screws, however, are apt todisplace the part relative to the part support due to a torque when theyare driven, and thereby make it difficult to accurately position thepart.

In light of the above, the part and part support and the intermediatemember may be so configured as to mate with each other in a preselectedpositional relation. Although this approach enhances the positionalaccuracy of the individual structural element, it causes the positionalaccuracy of the resulting assembly to be unconditionally determined bythe finishing accuracy of the individual element. It is thereforenecessary to machine the individual structural element with highaccuracy. While this kind of approach reduces the assembling cost, itincreases the material and machining costs of the individual structuralelement. This is particularly true when the parts are plastic moldingsapt to scatter in accuracy due to sinking and other causes.

To assemble the part and part support via the intermediate memberwithout being effected by the finishing accuracy of the individualelement while maintaining them in an accurate positional accuracy, it isdesirable to connect the part, part support and intermediate member byusing adhesive. This, however, brings about a problem that whether ornot the part and part support are dislocated at the time of adhesiondetermines the positioning accuracy of the part relative to the partsupport after adhesion. It follows that the positional relation betweenthe part and the part support at the time of adhesion has criticalinfluence on the quality of the resulting product.

For example, assume that the above part is a print head included in aprinter, a line sensor included in a scanner, or a solid imaging deviceincluded in a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) camera. Then, when anypositional error occurs between the part and the part support, itdisplaces an image printed or read by the part and thereby deterioratesimage quality.

Particularly, when the part is an ink jet head included in an ink jetprinter, it occurs that the distance between the head surface of thehead formed with nozzle holes and a recording medium is scattered orthat the nozzle holes fail to accurately face a position where an imageshould be printed on the recording medium. As a result, ink dropsejected from the nozzle holes reach the recording medium outside of apreselected printing position, noticeably lowering the image quality. Inthe case of a color printer including heads respectively loaded with inkof different colors (usually yellow ink, magenta ink, cyan ink and blackink), any positional error between the heads makes the print positionsof ink drops of different colors irregular. This brings the differentcolors forming a color image out of register or causes the color imageto distort.

The prerequisite with the adhesive scheme is therefore that the part andthe part support be accurately held, beforehand, in a preselectedpositional which will allow the part and part support to accurately facean assembly position at the time of adhesion. In this connection, in thecase of the head of a color printer, the allowable error of the headadhered to the part support should be confined in the range of the orderof microns.

As for the adhesive scheme, the positional relation between the part andthe part support at the time of adhesion is a critical factor thatdetermines the accuracy of mounting of the part to the part support, asstated earlier.

In light of the above, there has been proposed a part assemblingapparatus of the type positioning the part support at a preselectedposition and holding it there, while holding the part in a positionvariable relative to the part support. By varying the position of thopart, the apparatus adjusts a position in which the part should bemounted to the part support. An intermediate member is so positioned asto contact the part and part support. The apparatus applies photocuringadhesive to the interface between the part and the intermediate memberand the interface between the intermediate member and the part supportand the intermediate member for thereby fixing them together. This typeof apparatus, however, has the following problems left unsolved.

If light for curing the adhesive applied to the interfaces is notuniformly distributed, a part of the adhesive is rapidly cured while theother part is slowly cured. As a result, the thickness of the adhesivelayer differs from the part cured rapidly to the part cured slowly.Presumably, this is because the area of each interface over which theadhesive applied sequentially increases with the elapse of time due to,e.g., the surface tension of the adhesive. The irregular thickness f theadhesive effects the positional relation between the structural elementsand thereby degrades the assembling accuracy of the structural elements.

The above problem will be solved if the light is uniformly radiated ontothe adhesive. This, however, cannot be easily done because the gapavailable at the interface between the structural elements where theadhesive is applied is extremely small.

The intermediate member may be formed of resin transparent for light, asalso proposed in the past. In this case, light is radiated onto theinterfaces of the intermediate member via the intermediate members, sothat tho adhesive existing at the interfaces is cured at a substantiallyuniform rate. However, experiments showed that the light directlyilluminating the adhesive via the intermediate member caused thecomposition of the transparent intermediate member to change and causedthe member to color in muddy yellow little by little. The coloring ofthe intermediate member was particularly conspicuous when use was madeof UV (Ultra Violet) rays as the light and UV curable adhesive as theadhesive.

Further, because the UV transmission of such colored intermediate memberdecreased, the UV rays could not fully cure the adhesive unless radiatedfor more then the expected period of time via the intermediate member,compared to the case of direct radiation. The decrease in the curingefficiency of the adhesive and therefore the extended radiation of theUV rays heated the intermediate member to such a degree that the memberdeformed.

In another conventional part assembling procedure, an intermediatemember is positioned between the part and the part support. Adhesive isapplied to a substantially vertical first interface and a substantiallyhorizontal second interface between the part and part support and theintermediate member, thereby connecting the part and part support viathe intermediate member. In this case, the adhesive is not alwaysapplied to each interface to a preselected thickness over a preselectedarea although it may be fed in a preselected amount. Specifically,adhesive used to mount the part usually has relatively high viscosity soas not to drop and is apt to protrude in the form of yolk when appliedto the surface of the part due to the surface tension of the adhesive.

Assume that the structural members are assembled by the adhesiveprotruding from the surfaces of the members, as stated above. Then, itis likely that the area of the adhesive on each structural member issmaller than the expected adhering surface and causes the members tocome off due to short adhesion strength. In addition, when the thicknessof the adhesive differs from the first interface to the secondinterface, the structural members are displaced from each other whenassembled. Moreover, the protuberance of the adhesive just afterapplication is not constant, rendering the stress inside of the adhesiveirregular during curing. Therefore, should the structural members beassembled without any processing following the application of theadhesive, the part would be inclined relative to the part support. Inaddition, it needs a long period of time for the adhesive protrudingfrom the adhering surfaces to be cured, resulting in low productivity.

Furthermore, the liquid-like adhesive applied to the first interface isapt to drop due to its own weight or to turn round to the secondinterface. When the adhesive drops or turns round to any other position,the amount of the adhesive applied to the first interface and that ofthe adhesive applied to the second interface differ from the initialamount. As a result, the adhesive layers formed on the two interfacesare different in thickness from each other.

In the above condition, the positional relations between the part andthe intermediate member and between the part support and theintermediate member are quite likely to differ from the time of positionadjustment to the time of completion of the assembly. Errors in thiskind of positional relations cannot be corrected by the positionadjustment beforehand because the drop or the turn-round of the adhesiveor an increase or a decrease in the amount of the adhesive ascribabicthereto cannot be estimated. By contrast, errors ascribable to thecontraction of the adhesive due to curing can be corrected by theposition adjustment beforehand because the positional deviation of theindividual member is proportional to the amount and area of applicationof the adhesive.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a methodand an apparatus for assembling parts capable of preventing anintermediate member intervening between a part and a part support andformed of resin transparent for light from coloring or deforming whenilluminated by light for curing photocuring adhesive.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a method and anapparatus for assembling parts capable of obviating short adhesionstrength and displacement during the adhesion of a part, a part supportand an intermediate member and enhancing productivity at the time ofassembly.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method andan apparatus for assembling parts capable of preventing adhesive fromdropping or turning round to other portions during the adhesion of apart, a part support, and an intermediate member.

In accordance with the present invention, a method of fixing a part anda part support for mounting the part by use of photocuring adhesive viaan intermediate member formed of resin transparent for light includesthe steps of radiating light for curing the adhesive, and cutting a partof the light lying in a wavelength range causing the property of theintermediate member to change.

Also, in accordance with the present invention, an apparatus for fixinga part and a part support for mounting the part via an intermediatemember formed of resin transparent for light and contacting the part andpart support includes an applying device for applying photocuringadhesive to interfaces between the part, part support and intermediatemember, a radiating device for radiating light to the interfaces via theintermediate member, and a bandpass filter positioned on an optical pathfor the light for cutting a part of the light lying in a wavelengthrange causing the property of the intermediate member to change.

Further, in accordance with the present invention, a method of fixing apart and a part support for mounting the part via an intermediate memberby using adhesive includes the steps of positioning the intermediatemember between the part and the part support, applying adhesive to asubstantially vertical first interface and a substantially horizontalsecond interface between the part and the part support and theintermediate member, causing a pressing device to press the intermediatemember against the part and the part support, and causing the adhesiveapplied to the first interface and second interface to spread.

Moreover, in accordance with the present invention, an apparatus forfixing a part and a part support for mounting said part by usingadhesive with the intermediary of an intermediate member providedbetween the part and the part support includes a part support holdingportion for positioning and holding the part support at a preselectedassembling position. A part supporting portion supports the part in aposition adjustable relative to the part support held by the partsupport holding portion. A position detecting device detects theposition of the part supported by the part supporting portion. Aposition adjusting device adjusts, based on the position detected by theposition detecting device, a position in which the part should bemounted to the part support held by the part support holding device. Anadhesive applying device applies the adhesive to a substantiallyvertical first interface and a substantially horizontal second interfacebetween the part and the intermediate member and between the partsupport and said intermediate member. A pressing device presses theintermediate member against the part and part support to thereby causethe adhesive applied to the first interface and second interface tospread.

In addition, a method of fixing a part and a part support for mountingthe part via an intermediate member by using adhesive includes the stepsof positioning the intermediate member between the part and the partsupport, applying adhesive to a substantially vertical first interfaceand a substantially horizontal second interface between the part and theintermediate member and between the part support and said intermediatemember, and half-curing, before a relative position of the part and thepart support is adjusted, the adhesive applied to the first interface toa degree preventing the adhesive from dropping due to its own weight.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription taken with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a head unit assembled by anapparatus embodying the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the illustrativeembodiment;

FIG. 3 is a front view showing the general construction of theillustrative embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the structural parts of the headunit and a jig for conveying the parts to a preselected mountingposition;

FIGS. 5 and 6 are flowcharts demonstrating a specific operation of theillustrative embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the jig positioned at a settingposition defined on a set stage included in the illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a mechanism provided on an assemblystage included in the illustrative embodiment for positioning the jig;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a position adjusting unit foradjusting the position of the head surface of an ink jet head by holdingthe head;

FIGS. 10A-10C demonstrate a sequence of steps for causing head clampingmeans included in the position adjustment unit of FIG. 9 to clamp theink jet head;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of nozzle hole measuring means included inthe illustrative embodiment for detecting preselected three of nozzleholes formed in the ink jet head;

FIG. 12 is a side elevation showing an intermediate member mounting unitfor transferring intermediate members set on the jig to a preselectedassembly position between a head support and the ink jet head, andadhesive applying means for applying UV (Ultra Violet) curable adhesiveto the intermediate members;

FIGS. 13A and 13B are sections showing the behavior of the intermediatemembers transferred to the assembly position by the intermediate membermounting unit;

FIG. 14 is a side elevation a head fixing unit for curing the adhesiveapplied to the intermediate members with UV rays;

FIG. 15 shows a head fixing unit representative of an alternativeembodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 16A, 16B and 16C are respectively a front view, a side elevationand a plan view showing structural elements assembled in an adequatecondition by the embodiment of FIG. 15;

FIGS. 17A and 17B are respectively a front view and a side elevationshowing the structural elements assembled in an inadequate condition;

FIG. 18 is a front view showing a first example of the embodiment ofFIG. 15;

FIGS. 19A and 19B are front views showing a second examine of theembodiment of FIG. 15:

FIG. 20 is a front view showing a third example of the embodiment ofFIG. 15;

FIGS. 21A and 21B are front views showing a fourth example of theembodiment of FIG. 15;

FIG. 22 is a front view showing a fifth example of the embodiment ofFIG. 15;

FIGS. 23A and 23B are respectively a plan view and a side elevationshowing a sixth example of the embodiment of FIG. 25;

FIGS. 24A and 24B are respectively a plan view and a front view showinga seventh example of the embodiment of FIG. 25;

FIG. 25 is a front view showing an eighth example of the embodiment ofFIG. 15;

FIG. 26 is a front view for describing adhesive applied to asubstantially horizontal second interface particular to the illustrativeembodiment;

FIG. 27 is a front view for describing the viscosity of adhesive appliedto a substantially vertical second interface particular to theillustrative embodiment;

FIG. 28 is a front view of a first interface between a part support andan intermediate member included in the illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 29 is a front view of the structural elements assembled by theillustrative embodiment;

FIG. 30 is a flowchart demonstrating a specific operation of theillustrative embodiment;

FIGS. 31A and 31B are front views showing a specific procedure forsequentially half-curing adhesive applied to the interfaces;

FIGS. 32A and 32B are front views showing another specific procedure forsequentially half-curing the adhesive; and

FIG. 33 is a front view showing another specific configuration of thefirst interface between the part support and the intermediate member.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be describedhereinafter. The embodiment is implemented as a head unit assemblingapparatus for assembling an ink jet head unit (head unit hereinafter)included in a color ink jet printer by way of example.

FIG. 1 shows the general construction of the head unit to which theillustrative embodiment is applied. As shown, the head unit, generally1, includes four heads or parts 2. A head support 3 supports the heads 2and, in this sense, plays the role of a part support. Intermediatemembers 4 are arranged between the head support 3 and the heads 2 andadhered to connect them together. The heads 2 are therefore supported bythe head support 3 via the intermediate members 4.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, each head 2 includes a nozzle-like ink feedportion 2 a for feeding ink from an ink cartridge, not shown, mounted tothe back of the head 2. The ink fed via the ink feed portion 2 a isejected from a number of nozzle holes 2 b in the form of fine dropstoward a paper or similar recording medium. A control board, not shown,is mounted on the back of the head 2 for controlling the ejection timingof the ink drops via the nozzle holes 2 b. A control signal, as well asother signals, is fed to the control board via a flexible flat cable 2c. The nozzle holes 2 b of each head 2 are arranged in two arrays in ahead surface 2 d facing the paper, and each array extends in thedirection of paper transport (subscanning direction).

As shown in FIG. 1, the head support 3 includes substantially verticalhead support walls 3 a supporting the heads 2 via the intermediatemembers 4 such that the head surfaces 2 d are exposed from the backtoward the front. The head support 3 is mounted on a head unit supportshaft, not shown, and movable back and forth in the direction (mainscanning direction) perpendicular to the direction of paper transport.The head unit support shaft is mounted on the body of the color printer.Specifically, slide bearings 3 b are slidably mounted on the above headunit support shaft. A bracket 3 c is positioned at the rear of the headsupport 3 in order to hold ink cartridges respectively mounted to theink feed portions 2 a of the heads 2.

Each head 2 is adhered to the head support walls 3 a via fourintermediate members 4. As shown in FIG. 4, each intermediate member 4is implemented by a generally L-shaped piece having a substantiallyperpendicular first surface 4 a and a substantially horizontal secondsurface 4 b. The first surface 4 a is parallel to the head support wall3 a of the head support 3 while the second surface 4 b is parallel tothe upper surface of a base portion 2 e included in the head 2. Thecontrol board mentioned earlier is built in the base portion 2 e. Theintermediate members 4 are formed of transparent res n transparent forUV rays, so that UV curable adhesive applied to the surfaces 4 a and 4 bcan be cured via the members 4.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the apparatus forassembling the head unit 1. FIG. 3 shows a specific structure of theapparatus. As shown, the apparatus includes a jig 100, a jig conveyingunit or jig conveying means 200, a jig positioning unit 300, anintermediate member mounting unit 400, a head position adjusting unit500, a nozzle position measuring and head fixing unit 600, and a controland operation unit 700.

The jig 100 is loaded with the parts of the head unit 1, i.e., the heads2, head support 3, and intermediate members 4 to be assembled.

As shown in FIG. 3, the illustrative embodiment includes two jigs 100respectively located at setting positions A and B defined on a set stage201. The jig conveying unit 200 includes a conveying mechanism 202. Theconveying mechanism 202 conveys the jig 100 back and forth between thesetting position A or B and an elevating position C defined on the setstage 201 where the jig 100 is movable in the up-and-down direction. Anelevating mechanism 203 moves the jig 100 located at the elevatingposition C up and down between the set stage 201 and an assembly stage301 positioned above the set stage 201.

The jig positioning unit 300 includes a clamping mechanism 302 forclamping the jig 100 raised to the assembly stage 301. A positionadjusting mechanism 303 moves the clamping mechanism 302 clamping thejig 100 back and forth between an elevating position D and an assemblingposition E (see FIG. 8) defined on the assembly stage 301, therebyadjusting the stop position of the jig 100 on the stage 301. Measuringmeans 304 measures the position of the jig 100 moved by the positionadjusting mechanism 303.

The intermediate member mounting unit 400 includes a holding mechanism401 for holding the intermediate members 4 set on the jig 100 that islocated at to the assembling position E. The holding mechanism 401causes the intermediate members 4 to face a preselected adhesiveapplying position. A position adjusting mechanism 402 moves the holdingmechanism 401 holding the intermediate members 4 to a preselectedmounting position between each head 2 and the head support 3 set on thejig 100, thereby adjusting the mounting position of the members 4.Adhesive applying means 403 applies UV curable adhesive to theintermediate members 4 held by the holding mechanism 401. Adhesiveadjusting means 404 adjust the amount of the adhesive to be applied tothe intermediate members 4 by the applying means 403.

The head position adjusting unit 500 includes head clamping means 501for clamping each head 2 set on the jig 100 having been brought to theassembling position E. A position adjusting mechanism 502 moves the headclamping means 501 in the directions parallel to the X axis which isparallel to the direction of movement of the jig clamping mechanism 302,directions parallel to the Y axis and the Z axis perpendicular to the Xaxis, and directions of rotations α, β and γ having centers of rotationrespectively defined by the X, Y and Z axes, i.e., in six differentdirections in total. The position adjusting mechanism 502 adjusts theposition of the head 2 clamped by the clamping means 501.

The nozzle position measuring and head fixing unit 600 includes a CCDcamera or part position detecting means 601 for detecting the nozzleholes 2 b of each head 2. Measuring means 602 measures the position ofpreselected ones of the nozzle holes 2 b on the basis of data outputfrom the CCD camera 601. A light source 604 illuminates the nozzle holes2 b to be detected by the camera 601 via a halogen light guide 603. A UVlight source 606 illuminates, via UV light guides 605, the intermediatemembers 4 brought to the preselected mounting position with UV rays.

The control and operation unit 700 includes a host controller orsequencer and a subcontroller or personal computer. The host controllermainly controls the operation of units driven by air cylinders. Thesubcontroller controls the operation of units driven by motors andperforms logical and arithmetic operations with image data and measureddata output from the various measuring means.

Reference will be made to FIGS. 5 and 6 for describing a specificoperation of the illustrative embodiment. A program for executing theoperation to be described is stored in, e.g., a ROM (Read Only Memory)included in the control and operation unit 700 beforehand and startswhen a main switch, not shown, included in the apparatus is turned on.

First, the apparatus is initialized (step S1). By the initialization,the various units of the apparatus each is returned to the respectivehome position. For example, the jigs 100 are respectively brought to thesetting positions A and B or the set stage 201. The operatorsequentially sets the various parts of the head unit 1 on the jigs 10located at the positions A and B (step S2).

Specifically, each jig 100 is made up of a head support holding portion,a head supporting portion, and an intermediate member supportingportion. The head support holding portion holds the head support 3 suchthat the support 3 remains in its orientation for assembly maintains itsportions for receiving the heads 2 and intermediate members 4 open orfreely accessible. The head supporting portion supports the heads 2 insuch a manner as to guarantee a region for adjusting the positions ofthe heeds 2 relative to the head support 3 positioned on the headsupport holding portion. The intermediate member supporting portionsupports the intermediate members 4 in such a position that the members4 can be transferred to the head support 3 positioned on the headsupport holding portion.

As shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 7, the head support holding portion includesa stationary stub 102 fixed to a rear side wall 101 included in the jig100. A movable stub 104 is mounted on a front side wall 103 alsoincluded in the jig 100 and faces the stationary stub 102. The movablestub 104 is movable toward and away from the stationary stub 102. Apush-down member 106 is mounted on a pair of brackets 105 respectivelyfixed to the upper right portions of the inner surfaces of the sidewalls 101 and 103. Three push-up members 107 are positioned on thebottom wall 113 of the jig 100 in order to push up the head support 3.The stubs 102 and 104 each has the same outside diameter as the headunit support shaft mentioned earlier. A lug 106 a protrudes fromsubstantially the center of the underside of the push-down member 106.The lug 106 a faces the bracket 3 c of the head support 3 remote fromthe slide bearings 3 b.

The movable stub 104 extends throughout the side wall 103 and is fixedto a bracket 108 positioned outside of the side wall 103. Anotherbracket 109 is mounted on the outer surface of the side wall 103. Thebracket 108 is mounted on a shaft 110 journalled to the bracket 109 andside wall 103 and is slidable in the direction parallel to the axis ofthe movable stub 104. A coil spring 111 is wound round the shaft 110 andconstantly biases the bracket 108 toward the side wall 103. A lever 112to be operated by hand is mounted on the bracket 108 and received in aguide slot 109 a formed in the bracket 109.

The head support 3 is set on the head support holding portion by thefollowing procedure. Before setting the head support 3, the operatorpulls the lever 112 toward the operator against the action of the coilspring 111 and locks it in a locking portion included in the guide slot109 a. As a result, the movable stub 104 moves toward the outside of theside wall 103, making the distance between the surfaces of the stubs 104and 102 facing each other greater than the maximum width between theslide bearings 3 b. In this condition, the operator coupled the rearslide bearing 3 b of the head support 3 to the stationary stub 102 andunlocks the lever 112. Consequently, the movable stub 104 mates with thefront slide bearing 3 b of the head support 3 due to the action of thecoil spring 111. Subsequently, the operator sets the three push-upmembers 107 to a preselected height and mounts the push-down member 106to the brackets 105. The lug 106 a of the push-down member 106 pushesthe bracket 3 c of the head support 3 downward.

By the above procedure, the head support 3 is set at a preselectedposition on the jig 100. In the head support holding portion, thestationary stub 102 and movable stub 104 support the slide bearings 3 bof the head support 3 in the same manner as the head unit support shaftwhich allows the heads 2 to move in the main scanning direction, asstated above. Therefore, by using the stubs 102 and 104 as a referenceaxis for mounting the heads 2 to the head support 3, it is possible toextremely accurately position the heads 2 relative to the head support3. In addition, the three push-up members 107 positioned on the bottomwall 113 of the jig 100 support the back of the head support 3 andthereby insure the horizontal position of the head support 3.

The head supporting portion is implemented by a head support member 115fixed to the side walls 101 and 103 at substantially the intermediatebetween the side walls 101 and 103. The head support member 115 islocated at a position allowing the heads 2 to be adjusted in positionrelative to the head support 3 positioned on the head support holdingportion. As shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 7, the head support member 115 isformed with four surfaces 115 a for positioning the base portions 2 e ofthe four heads 2. Holes 115 b are formed in the head support member 115such that when the heads 2 are laid on the surfaces 115 a, the ink feedportions 2 a of the heads 2 are respectively received in the holes 115b. A cable pocket 115 c is also formed in the head support member 115for accommodating the flexible flat cables 2 c of the heads 2. The headsupport member 115 is configured such that when the heads 2 are laid onthe surfaces 115 a, the heads 2 each faces the lower portion of therespective head mounting portion between the head support walls 3 a ofthe head support 3 (see FIG. 3).

The ink feed portion 2 a of each head 2 is received in the respectivehole 115 b of the head support member 115, thereby positioning the head2 on the respective surface 115 a. This eliminates the need for specialpositioning means. When the heads 2 are positioned on the head supportmember 115, the cables 2 c of the heads 2 are accommodated in the cablepocket 115 a. Therefore, the clamping means 501 which will be describedlater can clamp the heads 2 without being obstructed by the cables 2 c.

The intermediate member supporting portion is implemented by a flatintermediate member support member 116 similar to the head supportmember 115. The intermediate member support member 116 is fixed to theupper left portions of the inner surfaces of the side walls 101 and 103and substantially parallel to the bottom wall 113. As shown in FIGS. 3,4 and 7, two parallel grooves 116 a are formed in the support member 116perpendicularly to the side walls 101 and 103. Positioning pins 116 bare studded on the bottom of each groove 116 a at equally spacedlocations. Each intermediate member 4 is positioned on the supportmember 116 with its first surface 4 a and second surface 4 brespectively contacting any one of the pins 116 b and the bottom ofeither one of the grooves 116 a.

The distance between the grooves 116 a, the width of each groove and thedistance between the positioning pins 116 b are selected such that whenthe intermediate members 4 are set on the intermediate member supportmember 116, the members 4 have substantially the same arrangement aswhen they are mounted to the head support 3 and heads 2. Thissuccessfully simplifies the adjustment of the positions of theintermediate members 4 to be effected by the holding mechanism 401 andposition adjusting mechanism 402 which will be described later, andtherefore the configurations and control of the mechanisms 401 and 402.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, the jig 100 includes two stays 114 inaddition to the bottom wall 113 and has an open top. Therefore, theparts of the head unit 1 can be set on the jig 100 from above the jig100. This promotes rapid setting of the parts and rapid removal of thehead unit 1 and enhances the free layout of the nozzle positionmeasuring and fixing unit 600. Further, an opening 113 a is formed inthe bottom wall 113 below the head support member 115, so that theclamping means 501 which will be described can reach the inside of thehead support 3 from the back side.

The clamping means 501 is allowed to clamp each head 2 from the backside of the head support 3, as stated above. It follows that the nozzleposition measuring and fixing unit 600 can be laid out with greaterfreedom above the head support 3, and the head unit 1 can be reduced insize and increased in strength. By contrast, if the head 2 is mounted tothe head support 3 from above the head support 3, then each opening 3 d(see FIG. 4) formed in the head support 3 for receiving the head 2 mustbe greater in size than the base portion 2 e of the head 2. Thisincreases the distance between the nearty walls 3 a of the head support3 and therefore the size of the head support 3 while reducing thestrength of the walls 3 a holding the heads 2.

After the parts of the head unit 1 have been set on the jig 100 by theabove procedure, a step S3 shown in FIG. 5 is executed. In the step S3,whether or not the operator has turned on start switches SW1 and SW2substantially at the same time for causing the conveyance of the jig 100to start. As shown in FIG. 3, the start switches SW1 and SW2 arepositioned on the set stags 201 in the vicinity of the opposite settingpositions A and B at a suitable distance, so that they will not turn onunless the operator touches them with both hands. This prevents theoperator's hands from being hurt when the jig 100 starts moving.

The jig conveying mechanism 202 for conveying the jig 100 includes twocylinders 204 a and 204 b. When the two start switches SW1 and SW2 areturned on substantially at the same time, the cylinder 204 a, forexample, assigned to the setting position A is turned on (step S4).

The cylinders 204 a and 204 b each is implemented by an air cylinder andmounted on a cylinder guide shaft 205 (see FIGS. 3 and 7) in such amanner as to be movable back and forth. The cylinder guide shaft 205 issupported by a pair of brackets 206 mounted on opposite sides of the setstage 201 and extends in parallel to the set stage 201. Bases 207 a and207 b are respectively loaded with the jigs 100 and position them at thesetting positions A and B. The cylinders 204 a and 204 b arerespectively fixed to the lower portions of the bases 207 a and 207 bvia cylinder brackets 208.

The bases 207 a and 207 b carry the jigs 100 identical in configurationwith each other. The following description will concentrate on the base207 a located at the setting position A, i.e., the left position in FIG.3 by way of example.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, the jig elevating mechanism 203 which will bedescribed includes a table 209 for elevating the jig 100. The four sidesof the bottom wall 113 of the jig 100 can be positioned at substantiallythe center of the upper surface of the base 207 a. An opening 207 cgreat enough to receive the table 209 is formed in substantially thecenter of the base 207 a. A plate 210 formed of acrylic resin is fittedon the base 207 a around the opening 207 a, so that the jig 100 will bepositioned slightly above the upper surface of the base 207 a.

Five crank-like jig positioning members 211 are fixed to the uppersurface of the base 207 a at the front, rear and left of the plate 210,as viewed in FIG. 7, such that the members 211 respectively contactthree sides of the bottom plate 113. A pair of guide rails 212 areprovided on the set stage 201. Rail guides 212 are provided at fourcorners of the underside of the table 207 a and respectively slidablyengaged with the guide rails 212. The guide rails 212 are parallel tothe cylinder guide shaft 205. A presser 214 is positioned at theright-hand side of the base 207 a in order to stop the jig 100 againstinertia when the base 207 a is brought to a stop.

When the cylinder 204 a is turned on (step 64), the jig conveyingmechanism 202 moves the base 207 a from the setting position A, FIG. 3,to the elevating position C. When the bracket 208 of the cylinder 204 aabuts against a stop 215 located at substantially the center of the setstage 201, the cylinder 204 a stops moving. The position where thecylinder 204 a stops moving is selected such that when the cylinder 204a stops, the table 209 of the jig elevating mechanism 203 facessubstantially the center of the opening 207 c of the base 207 a.

When the jig 100 is brought to a stop at the elevating position C, i.e.,at substantially the center of the set stage 201, the presser 214 drivenby an air cylinder, not shown, stops pressing the jig 100. Then, acylinder 216 for moving the table 209 up and down is turned on (step S5)in order to elevate the table 209. The cylinder 216 also implemented byan air cylinder is constructed to raise or lower a table support 209supporting the table 209 when turned on or turned off. As shown in FIGS.3 and 7, the cylinder 216 is mounted on a support plate 218 which ismounted on the underside of the set stage 201 via a cylinder stay 218.

A positioning pin 220 is studded on the upper surface of the table 209while a hole 221 for receiving the pin 220 is formed in the bottom wall113 of the jig 100. When the cylinder 216 is turned on to raise thetable 209, the positioning pin 220 enters the hole 221 with the resultthat the jig 100 is positioned on the table 209. As the table 209 isfurther raised, the jig 100 set on the base 207 a and brought to theelevating position C is transferred to the table 209, As a result, asshown in FIG. 3, the jig 100 is raised by the table 209 to the elevatingposition C of the assembly stage 301 positioned above the set stage 201.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 8, a relatively large elongate opening 301 a isformed in substantially the center of the assembly stage 301. Theopening 301 a has a width allowing the jig 100 to pass therethrough anda length spanning the distance between the elevating position D and theassembling position E. A pair of guide rails 305 extend on the uppersurface of the assembly stage 301 at both sides of and in the lengthwisedirection of the opening 301 a. The guide rails 305 extendperpendicularly to the direction in which the jig 100 is moved on theset stage 201, thereby guiding the jig positioning unit 300.

Rail guides 307 are mounted on four corners of the underside of a base306 on which the clamping mechanism 302 is mounted. The rail guides 307are engaged with the guide rails 305, so that the base 306 is movableback and forth along the guide rails 305. The base 306 has achannel-like configuration surrounding the path along which the jig 100is elevatable. The clamping mechanism 302 includes a stationary clampmember 308 and a movable clamp member 308 respectively positioned at therear and the front of the base 306.

Two clamp pins 310 are studded on the stationary clamp member 308 andrespectively mate with holes 118 a (see FIG. 7) formed in a member 118to be clamped and mounted on the rear side wall 101 of the jig 100. Asingle clamp pin 311 is studded on the movable lamp member 309 and mateswith a single hole 119 a formed in a member 119 to be clamped andmounted on the front side wall 103. A cylinder 312 implemented by an aircylinder drives the movable clamp member 309 toward and away from thestationary clamp member 308. The movable clamp member 309 is usuallyretracted to the front side of the base 306 such that the clamp pin 311does not protrude into the elevation path of the jig 100. An opening 306a is formed in the base 306 in such a position that when the movableclamp member 309 is retracted, the clamp pins 310 of the stationaryclamp member 308 and the clamp pin 311 of the movable clamp member 309each is positioned outside of the elevation path of the jig 100.

When the cylinder 216 is turned on (step S5, FIG. 5), the table 209raises the jig 100 to the elevating position D on the assembly stage301, i.e., the position where the clamp pins 310 and 311 respectivelyface the members 118 and 119 a. When the jig 100 is brought to a stop atthe position D, the cylinder 312 is turned on (step S6).

When the cylinder 312 is turned on, it moves the movable clamp member309 toward the stationary clamp member 308. As a result, the clamp pins310 and 311 of the clamp members 309 and 309 respectively mate with theholes 118 a and 119 a of the jig 100, so that the jig 100 is clamped bythe base 306. Subsequently, a motor 313 included in the positionadjusting mechanism 303 is turned on for moving the base 306 back andforth along the guide rails 305 (step S7).

As shown in FIG. 8, the motor 313 is a reversible motor for driving abell screw 314 via a speed reduction gear not shown. A ball nut 315including a steel ball is held in threaded engagement with the ballscrew 314. The ball nut 315 is fixed to the base 306 via achannel-shaped bracket 316. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 8, the motor 313 ismounted on screen-like support members 317 mounted an the right portionof the assembly stage 301 at the front side and rear side, respectively(only the rear support member is shown). A support plate 318 is fixedbetween the upper surfaces of the support members 317. The ball screw314 is journalled to bearings 31 respectively fixed to the front end andrear end of the support plate 318.

When the motor 313 causes the ball screw 314 to rotate in the forwarddirection (step S7), the base 306 moves along the guide rail 305 to therear of the assembly stage 301. As a result, the jig 100 clamped by thebase 306 is moved from the position D to the position E on the assemblystage 301. A linear scale 320 is fixed to the base 306 while a scalemeasuring portion 321 is fixed to the assembly stage 301. The scalemeasuring portion 321 measures the displacement of the linear scale 320while sending the result of measurement to the control and operationunit 700. In response, the control and operation unit 700 selectivelyturns an or turns off the motor 313 and thereby controls thedisplacement of the base 306 with utmost accurately.

Whether or not the base 306 has reached the assembling position E isdetermined (step S8). If the answer of the step S8 is positive (Y), themotor 313 is turned off (step S9). As a result, the jig 100 carried onthe base 306 is accurately brought to a stop at the position E. When theheads 2, head support 3 and intermediate members 4 set on the jig 100each faces a particular assembly start position, a motor ZM included inthe position adjusting mechanism 502 and assigned to the Z axis isturned on (step S10).

As shown in FIG. 9, the motor ZM causes a Z axis base 510 to move up anddown along the Z axis perpendicular to the base 306. The motor ZM isfixed to a Y axis table 511. A motor YM assigned to the Y axis causesthe Y axis table 511 to move in the X axis direction parallel to thedirection of movement of the base 306 and the Y axis directionperpendicular to the Z axis direction, The motor YM is fixed to an Xaxis base 512 driven by a motor XM in the X axis direction.

The motor XM is fixed to a Z axis rotation base 513. A motor ZRM causesthe table 513 to rotate in the γ direction about the Z axis. A motor XRMis mounted on the Z axis base 510 for causing an X axis rotation base514 to rotate in the a direction about the X axis. Further, a motor YRMis mounted on the X axis base 514 and causes a Y axis rotation base 515to rotate in the β direction about the Y axis.

An arm support 503 and two cylinders 504 and 545 playing the role of theclamping means 501 are mounted on the Y axis rotation table 514. Thecylinders 504 and 505 are implemented by air cylinders. As shown in FIG.9, arms 507 and 508 stand upright on the tops of the cylinders 504 and505, respectively. The air cylinders 504 and 505 respectively move thearms 507 and 508 back and forth in the Y axis direction perpendicular tothe direction of movement of the base 306. An arm 506 extends upwardfrom the arm support 503 and faces the arms 507 and 508.

When the motor ZM assigned to the Z axis is turned on (step S10), itraises the Z axis base 510. Whether or not the arms 506, 607 and 508 ofthe clamping mans 501 have risen to a preselected clamping position isdetermined (step S11). If the answer of the step S11 is Y, the motor ZMis turned off in order to stop the elevation of the table 510 (stepS12). As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10A, at the above clamping position, clamppins 506 a, 507 a and 508 a studded on the arms 506, 507 and 508 face toface, respectively, face holes 2 f formed in opposite ends of the base 2c of the head 2 supported by tho head support member 115.

After the Z motor ZM has been turned off, the motor YM assigned to the Yaxis is turned on (step S13). As shown in FIG. 10A, the motor YM movesthe arm 506 toward the base portion 2 e of the head 2. As shown in FIG.10B, clamp pin 506 a of the arm 506 mates with the hole 2 f of the baseportion 2 e (step S14). Then, the motor YM is turned off (step S15).Subsequently, the cylinders 504 and 505 are turned on (step S16), Asshown in FIG. 10B, the cylinders 504 and 505 respectively move the arms507 and 508 toward the base portion 2 e, Consequently, as shown in FIG.10C, the clamp pins 507 a and 508 a of the arms 507 and 508 mate withthe other holes 2 f of the head base 2 e.

After the clamp pins 507 a and 508 b have clamped the base portion 2 eof the head 2 in cooperation with the clamp pin 506 a, the motor ZMassigned to the axis Z is again turned on (step S17). At this time, themotor ZM raises the Z axis base 510 and therefore the arms 506-508 toespreselected head mounting position (see FIG. 3). When the arms 506-508reach the head mounting position, as determined in a step S18, the motorZM is turned off in order to stop the elevation of the Z axis base 510(step S19).

Thereafter, the nozzle position measuring means 602 is turned on (stepS20, FIG. 6). The measuring means 602 measures the positions ofpreselected ones of the nozzle holes 2 b of the head 2 in the X, Y and Zaxe directions. This is successful to determine whether or not the headsurface 2 d raised by the clamping means 501 is accurately located atthe assembly position relative to the head support 3 positioned on thejig 100.

Conventional nozzle position measuring means picks up a single nozzlehole 2 b formed in the surface 2 d with a CCD camera including a solidimaging device. An operating section calculates the position of thecenter of gravity of the resulting image and thereby determines thepositions of the head 2 in the X and Y axis directions. Further, theposition of the head 2 in the Z axis direction is determined on thebasis of defocus data output from an autofocus device built in thecamera.

The above conventional scheme is disadvantageous for the followingreasons. When the camera is focused ones ingle nozzle hole 2 b in orderto position the head 2, the positions of the single nozzle hole 2 b inthe X, Y and X axis directions can be accurately positioned. However, itis impracticable to accurately measure, based on the positions of theabove nozzle hole 2 b, the positional deviation of the other nozzleholes 2 b ascribable to the irregularity and rotation of the surface 2d.

With the conventional scheme therefore, it is extremely difficult tocorrect the positional deviation of the other nozzle holes 2 bascribable to the above causes. That is, a long period of time andcomplicated calculations are necessary for the head 2 to be positioned.

In the illustrative embodiment, the head 2 is held by the clamping means501 and position adjusting mechanism 502 in such a manner as to beadjustable in position relative to the head support 3. In thiscondition, the position of the head 2 is varied in order to detect threepreselected points of tho head 2 by using CCD cameras, so that the head2 can be adjusted relative to the heed support 3. In the illustrativeembodiment, at least three CCD cameras assigned to the above threepoints have their optical axes inclined relative to the surface of thehead 2 to be detected, i.e., the head surface 2 d.

Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 11, the measuring means 602 of theillustrative embodiment includes CCD cameras 601 a-601 e. The camera 601a detects the position of, e.g., the leftmost nozzle hole 2 b-1 of thefront array, as viewed in FIG. 11, in the inclined direction. The camera601 b detects the position of the nozzle hole 2 b-1 in the verticaldirection. A halogen light guide 603 a guides halogen light output fromthe light source 504 to the nozzle hole 2 b-1. The camera 601 c detectsthe position of the rightmost nozzle hole 2 b-2 of the front array, asviewed in FIG. 11, in the inclined direction. The camera 601 d detectsthe position of the nozzle hole 2 b-2 in the vertical direction. Ahalogen light guide 603 b guides the halogen light to the nozzle hole 2b-2. The camera 601 e detects the position of the center nozzle hole 2b-3 of the rear array, as viewed in FIG. 11, in the inclined direction.A halogen light guide 603 b guides the halogen light to the nozzle hole2 b-3 vie a mirror 606 c.

As shown in FIG. 3, atop plate 331 is connected to the assembly stage301 by a plurality of posts 330. A support plate 610 is mounted on thetop plate 331 and extends downward through an opening 331 a formed insubstantially the center of the top plate 331. The measuring means 602is mounted on the support plate 610.

With the three CCD cameras 601-a through 601 c, it is possible to detectthe nozzles 2 b-1 through 2 b-3 or three preselected points of the headsurface 2 d end determine their positions on the X, Y and Z coordinates.It is therefore not necessary to use the autofocus device customarilyassigned to the Z axis direction.

In the illustrative embodiment, the measuring means 602 detects thenozzle holes 2 b formed in the surface 2 d of the head. As for thesurface of a part lacking such portions to be detected, e.g., a solidimaging device, marks to be detected may be provided on the surfacebeforehand.

Assume that at least three CCD cameras have their optical axespositioned vertically to the head surface 2 d for detecting the abovethree points. Then, because the optical axes of the camera are parallelto each other, the distance between the optical axes is unconditionallydetermined by the outside diameter of the cameras. Therefore, when thehead 2 is relatively small and has the maximum distance between itsthree points smaller than the minimum distance between the optical axesof the cameras, the optical axes are positioned outside of the threepoints of the head 2. In this condition, the cameras cannot detect thethree points of the head 2.

By contrast, in the illustrative embodiment, the optical axes of atleast three CCD cameras 601 a through 601 c are inclined relative to thesurface 2 of the head 2 and can therefore be oriented in desireddirections. This successfully prevents the minimum distance betweenthree points that can be detected from being unconditionally determinedby the outside diameter of the cameras. That is, it is possible todetect desired three points of the head 2 and accurately position thehead 2 without regard to the size of the head 2.

Image data representative of the nozzle holes 2 b-through 2 b-3 andoutput from the cameras 601 a through 601 e are monitored on the CRT(Cathode Ray Tube) of the subcontroller or personal computer via thecontrol and operation unit 700. Assume that the positions and shapes ofthe images being monitored are different from positions and shapes setbeforehand, Then, it is determined that the head surface 2 d does notaccurately face the head mounting position (step S21, FIG. 6). As aresult, the position adjusting mechanism 502, FIG. 9, is turned on (stepS22). Specifically, the motors of the mechanism 502 are driven to shiftthe head 2 in the six directions X, Y, Z, α, β and γ. When the surface 2d accurately faces the head mounting position (Y, step S21) themeasuring means 602 and adjusting mechanism 502 are turned off (stepS23).

The head 2 is positioned at the head mounting position relative to thehead support 3 by the above procedure. Subsequently, the positionadjusting mechanism 402 included in the intermediate member mountingunit 400 is turned on (step S24) in order to drive the holding mechanism401. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 12, the holding mechanism 401 includes twoair chucks 405 and 406 capable of simultaneously chucking fourintermediate members 4 necessary for adhering a single head 2 to thehead support 3.

As shown in FIG. 3, the air chucks 405 and 406 are fixed to the endportion of a chuck arm 407. When the air chucks 405 and 406 are held ina home position, they are positioned right above the two grooves 116 a,FIG. 4, of the intermediate member support member 176 set on the jig100. As shown in FIG. 12, the air chucks 405 and 400 each has arectangular lower end or chucking portion. With this configuration, eachof the air chucks 405 and 406 can hold two intermediate members 4located between two positioning pins 116 b studded in the associatedgroove 116 a, while maintaining the members 4 substantially in their setpositions. Passageways 405 a and 406 a are respectively formed in theair chucks 405 and 406 in order to selectively suck or blow air via thebottoms and opposite sides of their chucking portions.

A shaft 407 a is fixed to the base end of the chuck arm 407 and extendsalong the Y axis. The shaft 407 a is supported by a chuck bracket 408 insuch a manner as to be rotatable by substantially 180 degrees. Acylinder 409 implemented as an air cylinder supports the check bracket408 such that the bracket 408 is movable up and down along the Z axis.As shown in FIG. 3, a robot 411 is mounted on a plate 410 fixed to therear side of the assembly stage 301. The robot 411 moves the abovecylinder 409 hack and forth along the Y axis. A cylinder 412 alsoimplemented by an air cylinder is fixed to the chuck bracket 408 andcauses the shaft 407 a to rotate.

When the position adjusting mechanism 402 is turned on (step S24), thecylinder 409 lowers the chuck bracket 408 along the Z axis. As a result,the chucking port ions of the air chucks 405 and 406 are lowered to aposition where each of them can chuck two of the intermediate members 4set on the support member 116, as indicated by an arrow a in FIG. 12.The lowered position of the air chucks 405 and 406 is determined by alower stop 409 a fixed to the lower portion of the cylinder 409; apositioning piece 408 a provided an the bracket 408 abuts against thelower stop 409 a.

Subsequently, air is sucked via the passageways 405 a and 406 a,producing vacuum around the chucking portions of the air chucks 405 and406. As a result, the air chucks 405 and 406 retain two intermediatemembers 4 each.

After the air chucks 405 and 406 have chucked the intermediate members4, the cylinder 409 operates in the reverse direction in order to liftthe chuck bracket 406 to a preselected level. Then, the cylinder 412causes the shaft 407 a to rotate by substantially 180 degrees, asindicated by an arrow b in FIG. 12. The cylinder 409 operating in thereverse direction lifts the chuck bracket 400 until the positioningpiece 408 a of the bracket 408 abuts against an upper stop 409 b fixedto the upper portion of the cylinder 409, as indicated by an arrow c inFIG. 12. Consequently, tho intermediate members 4 retained by the airchucks 405 and 406 are turned upside down and cause their surfaces 4 aand 4 b to fare the tops and both sides of the chucking portions of theair chucks 405 and 406.

The adhesive applying means 403 includes a pair of syringes 431positioned above the air chuck 405 and each having a pair of nozzles 430for applying the UV curable adhesive to the surfaces 4 a and 4 b of eachintermediate member 4. A heater 432 playing the role of the adhesiveadjusting means 404 surrounds the respective syringe 431. The heaters432 each maintains the UV adhesive at a preselected temperature (about30° C.) providing the adhesive with optimal viscosity.

As shown in FIG. 3, each syringe 431 i s fixed to a bracket 436 via asyringe holder 435. The bracket 436 is supported by a bracket holder 437mounted on the underside of the top plate 331 and is slidable in the Yaxis direction. The operator can therefore pull out the syringes 431 tothe left of the device body, FIG. 3, by holding a lever 438 fixed to thebracket 406. This facilitates the replenishment of the UV curableadhesive to each syringe 431 and prevents the operator from touching theheater 432.

After the intermediate members 4 retained by the air chucks 405 and 406have been turned upside down, as stated above, the nozzles 430 of thesyringes 431 are caused to face the surfaces 4 a and 4 b of the twointermediate members 4 held by the air chuck 405, as shown in FIG. 12.

Subsequently, the adhesive applying means 403 is turned on (step S25.Specifically, the UV curable adhesive is applied to the surfaces 4 a and4 b of the two intermediate members 4 held by the air chuck 405 via thetwo nozzles 430 of the two syringes 431. After the application of theadhesive to the surfaces 4 a and 4 b of the above two intermediatemembers 4, the robot 411 shifts the other air chuck 406 positioned atthe left, as viewed in FIG. 3, rightward to the position where the airchuck 405 has been positioned. As a result, the surfaces 48 and 4 b ofthe two intermediate members retained on the top and both sides of theholding portion of the sir chuck 406 by suction face the two nozzles 430of the two syringes 431. Then, the adhesive applying means 403 is againturned on in order to apply the adhesive to the surfaces 4 a and 4 b viathe nozzles 430 of the syringes 431.

After the application of the adhesive to the four intermediate members 4held by the air chucks 405 and 406, the air chucks 405 and 408 arereturned to the previously mentioned home positions. At the same time,the robot 411 moves the air chucks 405 and 406 to preselected positionsabove the assembling position between the head 2 held at the mountingposition and the head support 3. Subsequently, the cylinder 409 isturned on to lower the air chucks 405 and 406, Consequently, as shown inFIG. 13A, the four intermediate members 4 held by the air chucks 405 and406 face the mounting position between the head 2 and the head support3.

In the above condition, air is jetted via the passageways 405 a and 406a of the air chucks 405 and 406. As a result, the surfaces 4 a and 4 bof the four intermediate members 4 are released from the air chucks 405and 406 and brought into close contact with the expected portions of thehead 2 and head support 3. Thereafter, the air chucks 405 and 406 arereturned to their home positions, and then the position adjustingmechanism 402 is turned off (step S26).

After the step S26, the head fixing unit 600 is turned on (step 627).Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, the two UV light guides 605 retractedfrom the Y axis passage assigned to the air chucks 405 and 406 are movedto a position above the head 2 by a cylinder or air cylinder 620. Inthis condition, the UV light source 606 is turned on to issue UV raystoward the adhesive present on the surfaces 4 a and 4 b of theintermediate members 4 via the intermediate members 4. The adhesive iscured by the UV rays and fix the head 2 and head support 3 to each othervia the intermediate members 4.

An air tube 621 is positioned above each of the UV light guide 605 andjoined with the light guide 605 by a respective tie member 622. Air,preferably cool air, is blown out of such air tubes 621 toward theintermediate members 4 at the time of emission of the UV rays. This airprotects the intermediate members 4 from thermal deformation ascribableto the UV rays and obviates the displacement of the head 2 and headsupport 3 ascribable to thermal stress.

After the head 2 has been fixed to the head support 3 by the aboveprocedure, whether or not another head 2 should be fixed to the headsupport 3 is determined (step S28). Assume that the apparatus is soprogrammed as to sequentially fix the other heads 2 to the head support3. Then, a head assembly routine for executing the above sequence ofassembling steps is repeatedly executed until all the predeterminednumber of heads 2 have been fixed to the head support 3 (step S29). Atthis time, the data derived from the position adjustment of thepreceding head 2 relative to the head support 3 are referenced asposition adjustment data when the following head 2 is fixed to the headsupport 3. When all the preselected number of heads 2 are fully fixed tothe head support 3 (N, step S28) the various units start returning totheir home positions (step S30).

At the beginning of the step S30, the measuring means 602 is againturned on (step S31) to measure the positions of the three particularnozzle holes of each head 2. The result of this measurement showswhether or not the heads 2 are dislocated during assembly. Specifically,the control and operation unit 700 compares the data output from themeasuring means 602 before rind after the assembly and sends the resultof decision on the configuration of the heads 2 to the CRT (step S32),The program ends when the various units are returned to their homepositions (Y, step S33).

The illustrative embodiment has two setting positions A and B on the sctstage 201, as stated with reference to FIG. 3. The paths between thesetting positions A and B and the assembling position E along which theconveying unit 200 conveys the jigs 100 can be switched by the controland computation unit 700. Therefore, it is possible to convey one jig100 conveyed from one setting position A to the assembling position Eand completed assembly at the position E to the other setting positionB. It is also possible to feed one jig 100 from one setting position Ato the assembly position E end set, while the above jig 100 has itsparts assembled, the structural parts of another head unit on the otherjig 100 located at the other setting position B. The illustrativeembodiment therefore reduces the operator's waiting time at the time ofsetting of the structural parts on the jig 100 and thereby enhancesefficient assembly.

Curing the adhesive with UV rays via the intermediate member 4, asstated earlier, brings about the following problems, as determined by aseries of experiments. The UV rays cause the composition of thetransparent intermediate members 4 to change and cause the members 4 tocolor in muddy yellow little by little. Because the UV transmission ofsuch colored intermediate members 4 decreases, the UV rays cannot fullycure the adhesive unless radiated for more than the expected period oftime via the intermediate members. The decrease in the curing efficiencyof the adhesive and therefore the extended radiation of the UV raysheats the intermediate members 4 to such a degree that the members 4deform.

In order to solve the above problem, as shown in FIG. 15, theillustrative embodiment additionally includes a bandpass filter 630positioned on the optical path of each UV light guide 605. The bandpassfilter 630 cuts UV rays lying in the wavelength range which would causethe property of the intermediate members 4 to change. It wasexperimentally found that the bandpass filter 630 successfully preventedthe intermediate members 4 from coloring when cutting UV rays lying in ashort wave length range below about 300 nm. Preferably, the bandpassfilter 630 should also cut UV rays lying in a long wavelength rangeheating the intermediate members 4 to an excessive degree.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the bandpass filter 630 is not located atthe light source side where the UV rays generate a great amount of heat,but located on the output optical path cf the UV light guide 605 andheld by a filter mount 631. This reduces the thermal stress of thefilter 630 itself during the radiation of the UV rays toward theadhesive.

During UV radiation, air is sent from the air tube 621 to theintermediate member 4 in order to cool off the member 4. This preventsthe intermediate member 4 from being excessively heated during UVradiation and thereby obviates the fall of assembling accuracyascribable to the thermal deformation of the member 4.

In the above embodiment, the adhesive is applied to the first and secondsurfaces (interfaces hereinafter) 4 a and 4 b of each intermediatemember 4 intervening between the head 2 and the head support 3. In thiscase, the adhesive is not always applied to each of the interfaces 4 aand 4 b to a preselected thickness over a preselected area although itmay be fed in a preselected amount. Specifically, adhesive used to mountthe head 2 or similar part usually has relatively high viscosity so asnot to drop and is apt to protrude in the form of yolk when applied tothe surface of the part due to the surface tension of the adhesive.

Assume that the structural members are assembled by the adhesiveprotruding from the surfaces of the members, as stated above. Then, itis likely that the area of the adhesive on each structural member issmaller than the expected adhering surface end causes the members tocome off due to short adhesion strength. In addition, when the thicknessof the adhesive differs from the first interface 4 a to the secondinterface 4 b, the structural members are displaced from each other whenassembled. Moreover, the protuberance of the adhesive just afterapplication is not constant, rendering the stress inside of the adhesiveirregular during curing. Therefore, should the structural members beassembled without any processing following the application of theadhesive, the head 2 would be inclined relative to the head support 3.In addition, it needs a long period of time for the adhesive protrudingfrom the adhering surfaces to be cured, resulting in low productivity.

An alternative embodiment of the present invention will be describedhereinafter which is capable of obviating Short adhesion strength andpositional deviation of the head 2 or similar part, head support 3 orsimilar part support, and intermediate members 4, and enhancingproductivity during assembly. Let the head 2 and head support 3 bereferred to as a part 2 and a part support 3, respectively.

FIGS. 16A-16C show a condition wherein the part 2, part support 3 andintermediate member 4 are assembled in a preselected position free frompositional errors. As shown, in the accurate conditions cured adhesive Phas a preselected thickness t1 between the part 2 and the intermediatemember 4 and has a preselected thickness t2 between the part support 3and the intermediate member 4. Also, the adhesive P occupies apreselected area of L1×L2 between the part 2 and the intermediate member4 and occupies a preselected area of L3×L4 between the part support 3and the intermediate member 4. FIGS. 17A and 17B show a specificcondition wherein the part 2 and part support 3 and the intermediatemember 4 assembled together are dislocated relative to each other. Asshown, the adhesive fails to have the above correct dimensions t1, t2,L1×L2 and L3×L4.

Briefly, in the illustrative embodiment, pressing means presses theintermediate member 4 against the part 2 and part support 3 so as tospread the adhesive P applied to the first and second interfaces 4 a and4 b of the intermediate member 4. This successfully allows the part 2and part support 3 and the intermediate member 4 to be accuratelyassembled in a preselected position free from positional deviation. Thatis, the pressing member increases the area which the adhesive P occupieson each of the interfaces 4 a and 4 b and thereby increases the adhesionstrength. In addition, the pressing member substantially uniforms thethickness and configuration of the adhesive P.

Specific examples of this embodiment are as follows.

EXAMPLE 1

As shown in FIG. 19, the pressing means for pressing the intermediatemember 4 against the part 2 and part support 3 is implemented by asingle pin 10. The pin 10 is movable toward and away from theintermediate member 4 at such an angle that it exerts substantially thesame components of a force on the first and second interfaces 4 a and 4b. As a result, the adhesive P applied to the interfaces 4 a and 4 b isspread between the part 2 and part support 3 and the intermediate member4, as illustrated. Consequently, the area of the adhesive on each of theinterfaces 4 a and 4 b increases, increasing the adhesion strengthbetween the associated structural elements. In addition, the thicknessand configuration of the adhesive P are substantially uniformed.

EXAMPLE 2

As shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, the pressing means is implemented by afirst pin 11 and a second pin 12 movable toward and away from theintermediate member 4. The two pins 11 and 12 are respectively movablein the direction substantially perpendicular to the second interface 4 band the direction substantially perpendicular to the first interface 4a. That is, the pins 11 and 12 press the substantially vertical surfaceand substantially horizontal surface of the intermediate member 4independently of each other. As a result, the adhesive P present on theinterface 4 a and the adhesive P present on the interface 4 b can bespread independently of each other. It follows that even when the amountor the kind of the adhesive to be applied to one interface is changed,the structural elements can be evenly assembled without any positionaldeviation after the curing of the adhesive P.

EXAMPLE 3

As shown in FIG. 20, the pressing means is implemented by a single airnozzle 13. The air nozzle 13 blows air toward the intermediate member 4at such an angle that it exerts substantially the same components of aforce derived from air on the first and second interfaces 4 a and 4 b.Air sent from the air nozzle 13 presses the intermediate member 4against the part 2 and part support 3 and thereby spreads the adhesiveapplied to the two interfaces 4 a and 4 b. Consequently, the area of theadhesive P on each of the interfaces 4 a and 4 b increases, increasingthe adhesion strength between the associated structural elements. Inaddition, the thickness and configuration of the adhesive P aresubstantially uniformed.

Further, air pressing the intermediate member 4 simplifies arrangementsaround the position for adjusting the position of the individualstructural element, compared to the mechanical pressing means. Thisfacilitates the layout of the various holding means and positiondetecting means and frees the intermediate member 4 from marksascribable to the mechanical pressing means.

EXAMPLE 4

As shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B, the pressing means is implemented by afirst air nozzle 14 and a second air nozzle 15. The air nozzles 14 and15 blow air toward the intermediate member 4 in the directionsubstantially perpendicular to the second interface 4 b and thedirection substantially perpendicular to the first interface 4 a,respectively. The air nozzles 14 and 15 are capable of pressing the twosurfaces 4 b and 4 a independently of each other and therefore spreadingthe adhesive P independently of each other without damaging theintermediate member 4. It follows that even when the amount or the kindof the adhesive to be applied to one surface i s changed, the structuralelements can be evenly assembled without any positional deviation afterthe curing of the adhesive P.

EXAMPLE 5

As shown in FIG. 22, the pressing means is implemented by a single airnozzle 16 formed with a first and a second air ejection port 16 a and 16b, respectively. The air ejection ports 16 a and 16 b eject air in thedirection substantially perpendicular to the first interface 4 a and thedirection substantially perpendicular to the second interface 4 b. Theair nozzle 16 blows air substantially evenly via the two ports 16 a and16 b without resorting to delicate air adjustment, so that the twointerfaces 4 a and 4 b can be pressed by the same force. This allows theadhesive P to be spread on both interfaces 4 a and 4 b undersubstantially the same condition. It follows that the same adhesionstrength is achievable between the part 2 and the intermediate member 4and between the part support 3 and the intermediate member 4. Therefore,even when a load acts on the part 2, the part 2 and adhesive P areprevented from being separated due to the concentration of a stress. Ifdesired, an electromagnetic valve may be used to vary the amount andtherefore the force of air to be sent from each of the port 16 a and 16b.

EXAMPLE 6

FIG. 23A shows a plurality of (two in this example) first pins 17 a and17 b while FIG. 24B shows a plurality of (two in this example) secondpins 78 a and 18 b. The first pins 17 a and 17 b and second pins 18 aand 18 b constitute the pressing means for pressing the intermediatemember against the part 2 and part support 3, Specifically, the pins 17a and 17 b are movable back and forth in the direction substantiallyperpendicular to the first interface 4 a of the intermediate member 4.The pins 18 a and 18 b are movable back and forth in the directionsubstantially perpendicular to the second interface 4 b of theintermediate member 4. In this configuration, the pressures of the pins17 a and 17 b to act on the surface 4 a do not concentrate, but arescattered. This is also true with the pressures of the pins 18 a and 18b to act on the surface 4 a. This prevents the intermediate member 4from tilting and further uniforms the thickness of the adhesive P oneach of the interfaces 4 a and 4 b.

EXAMPLE 7

As shown in FIGS. 24A and 24B, Example 7 is similar to Example 4 (FIGS.21A and 21B) except that air nozzles 14 and 15 have flared nozzle holes14 a and 15 a, respectively. The flared nozzle holes 14 a and 15 a ejectair onto substantially the entire first and second surfaces 4 a and 4 b,respectively. If desired, the flared air nozzle holes 14 a and 15 b eachmay be replaced with a plurality of nozzle holes. In this configuration,air from the air nozzle 14 and air from the air nozzle 15 aresubstantially evenly sent to the interfaces 48 and 4 b, respectively.This prevents the intermediate member 4 from tilting and furtheruniforms the thickness of the adhesive P on each of the interfaces 4 aand 4 b.

The adhesive is not always applied to each of the surfaces 4 a and 4 bto a preselected thickness over a preselected area although it may fadin a preselected amount, as stated earlier. Specifically, the adhesivefor adhering the part 2 and intermediate member 4 and the part support 3and intermediate member 4 should preferably spread to a certain degreedue to its own weight when applied to the surfaces 4 a and 4 b andthereby form layers of substantially uniform thickness. For this reason,such adhesive should preferably have relatively high fluidity, i.e.,relatively low viscosity.

However, assume that the adhesive having high fluidity, or lowviscosity, is applied to the substantially vertical first interface 4 aand substantially horizontal second interface 4 b in order to connectthe part 2 and part support 3 via the intermediate member 4. Then, suchliquid-like adhesive on the first interface 4 a is apt to drop due toits own weight or to turn round to the second interface 4 b. When theadhesive drops or turns round to any other position, the amount of theadhesive applied to the interface 4 a and that of the adhesive appliedto the interface 4 b differ from the initial amount. As a result, theadhesive layers formed on the interfaces 4 a and 4 b are different inthickness from each other.

In the above condition, the positional relations between the part 2 andthe intermediate member 4 and between the part support 3 and theintermediate member 4 are quite likely to differ from the time ofposition adjustment to the time of completion of the assembly. Errors inthis kind of positional relations cannot be corrected by the positionadjustment beforehand because the drop or the turn-round of the adhesiveor an increase or a decrease in the mount of the adhesive ascribablethereto cannot be estimated. By contrast, errors ascribable to thecontraction of the adhesive due to curing can be corrected by theposition adjustment beforehand because the positional deviation of theindividual member is proportional to the amount and area of applicationof the adhesive.

Another alternative embodiment of the present invention which is asolution to the above problem will be described with reference to FIG.25. As shown, adhesive P1 applied to the first or substantially verticalinterface 4 a has higher viscosity, or lower fluidity, than adhesive P2applied to the second or substantially horizontal interface 4 b. Theadhesive P1 applied to the interface 4 a does drop or turn round toother portions.

Although the adhesive P2 applied to the interface 4 b has comparativelyhigh fluidity, or comparatively low viscosity, it does not drop or turnround to other portions because the interface 4 b is substantiallyhorizontal. In addition, as shown in FIG. 26, the adhesive P2 spreadsdue to its fluidity and can be automatically uniformed in thickness.

As shown in FIG. 27, the adhesive P1 applied to the vertical surface 4 ashould preferably have viscosity causing the adhesive P1 to spreaddownward due to gravity over an area A2 which is substantially doublethe area A1 of the adhesive P1 initially applied. This allows theadhesive P1 applied to the surface 4 a to spread within a range notcausing it to drop or turn round.

Further, as shown in FIG. 28, recesses 3 a and 4 c may be respectivelyformed in the lower portion of the part support 3 and the lower portionof the vertical surface 4 a to which the adhesive P1 is applied. Whenthe adhesive P1 applied to the surface 4 a spreads downward due to itsown weight, it is scattered into the recesses 3 a and 4 c and stoppedthereby. As a result, the thickness of the adhesive P1 decreases to, inturn, increase the surface tension of the adhesive P1. The adhesive P1is therefore prevented from spreading more than necessary, i.e.,dropping.

As shown in FIG. 29, the illustrative embodiment effects, before theadjustment of the relative position of the part support 3 and part 2,half-curing of at least the adhesive P1 applied to the substantiallyvertical interface 4 a so as to prevent it from dropping due to its ownweight. The half-cured adhesive P1 does not drop or turn round to otherportions.

Reference will be made to FIG. 30 for describing a specific procedurefor half-curing both the UV adhesive P1 applied to the substantiallyvertical interface 4 a and the UV adhesive P2 applied to thesubstantially horizontal interface 4 b. The procedure begins when thestep S27, FIG. 8, is executed after the surfaces 4 a and 4 b of theintermediate member 4 have been brought into close contact with the part2 and part support 3 (step S26, FIG. 6).

As shown in FIG. 30, when the step S27 begins, the head fixing unit isturned on. In response, the head fixing unit causes the cylinder 620 tomove the UV light guides 605 from the retracted position outside of theY axis path of the air chucks 405 and 406 to the position above the head2 (step S27 a), as stated earlier with reference to FIG. 14. In thiscondition, the UV light source 606 is turned on to issue UV rays (stepS27 b). The UV rays illuminate the adhesive P1 on the interface 4 a andthe adhesive P2 on the interface 4 b via the UV light guides 605 andintermediate members 4 (step S27 b). At this instant, the duration ofthe UV radiation is selected to be long enough to half-cure at least theadhesive P1 on the substantially vertical interface 4 a to a degreepreventing it from dropping due to its own weight (1 second in theillustrative embodiment). By the UV radiation, the adhesive P1 andadhesive P2 are half-cured, temporarily connecting the part 2 and partsupport 3 via the intermediate members 4.

On the clapse of the above period of time (Y, step S27 c), the UVradiation of the UV fight source 606 is interrupted (step S27 d). Inthis condition, the position adjustment mechanism 502 is turned on inorder to adjust the position of the part or head 2 relative to the partsupport 3 (step S27 e). At this instant, the adhesive P1 and adhesive P2half-cured on the interfaces 4 a and 4 b, respectively, do not drop orturn round to other portions. In addition, the displacement of the part2 relative to the part support 3 is not obstructed at all.

On the completion of the position adjustment of the part 2 or head (Y,step 27 f), the position adjusting mechanism 602 is turned off (step S27g). If the above position adjustment does not complete due to some error(N, step S27 f), then an error message is displayed on the CRT.

When the position adjusting mechanism 502 is turned off, the UV lightsource 606 is again turned on to radiate UV rays. The UV rays againilluminates the adhesive on the intermediate members 4 via the UV lightguides 605 and members 4 (step S27 h). At this time, the duration of theUV radiation is selected to be long enough to fully cure the adhesive P1and P2 (40 seconds in the illustrative embodiment) The adhesive P1 andP2 now fully cured firmly connect the part 2 and part support 3 via theintermediate members 4. On the elapse of the above period of time (Y,step S271), the UV light source 606 is turned off (step S27 j).

Subsequently, the UV light guides 605 are returned to their retractedpositions (step S27 k). This is followed by the step S28 shown in FIG.6.

In the illustrative embodiment the part in adjusted in position relativeto the part support 3 after the half-curing of the adhesive P1 and P2respectively existing on the two interfaces 4 a and 4 b, as statedabove. In this case, if the displacement of the part 2 relative to thepart support 3 is relatively great, then the adhesive existing on theinterface 4 a or 4 b perpendicular to the direction of displacement ofthe part 2 is apt to come off the part support 3. For example, when thepart 2 shown in FIG. 29 is noticeably displaced in the directionindicated by an arrow a, the adhesive P1 present on the interface 4 aperpendicular to the direction a is apt to come off the part support 3.

In light of the above, as shown in FIG. 31A specifically, theillustrative embodiment first half-cures the adhesive P1 applied to thefirst interface 4 a and then adjusts the position of the part 2 in thehorizontal direction (arrow a) relative to the part support 3. At thisstage, the adhesive P2 an the second surface is not cured at all,Therefore, although the displacement of the pert 2 relative to the partsupport 3 in the horizontal direction may be great, the half-curedadhesive P1 on the interface 4 a perpendicular to the above directionexerts a greater adhesion force than the non-cured adhesive P2 on theinterface 4 b. This prevents the adhesive P1 from coming off the partsupport 3 despite the above movement of the part 2.

Assume that the part 2 held in the condition shown in FIG. 31A is simplylowered by the position adjustment. Then, because the adhesion force ofthe non-cured adhesive P2 on the interface 4 b is smaller than that ofthe half-cured adhesive P1 on the interface 4 a, the adhesive P2 is aptto come off the part 2 due to the above displacement of the part 2.

To solve the above problem, as shown in FIG. 31B, the illustrativeembodiment half-cures the adhesive P2 on the interface 4 b to a higherdegree than the half-cured adhesive P1 and then moves the part 2adjusted in the horizontal direction a in the vertical directionindicated by an arrow b. As a result, the half-cured adhesive on theinterface 4 b perpendicular to the direction of the downward movement ofthe part 2 achieves a greater adhesion force than the half-curedadhesive P1. The adhesive P2 is therefore prevented from coming off thepart 2 despite the vertical movement of the part 2.

FIGS. 32A and 32B each shows a particular method for half-curing theadhesive P1 on the interface 4 a and then half-curing the adhesive P2 onthe interface 4 b to a higher degree than the adhesive P1, as statedabove. In FIG. 32A, the adhesive P1 on the interface 4 a is half-curedvia a first UV light guide 605, and then the adhesive P2 on theinterface 4 b is half-cured via a second UV light guide 605 b to theabove particular degree. In FlG. 32B, the adhesive P1 an the interface 4a is half-cured first. Subsequently, the UV light guide 605 is shiftedto a position for illuminating the adhesive P2 on the interface 6 b, asindicated by a dash-and-dot line, or a mirror 640 is inserted into theoptical path of the light guide 605, as indicated by a dashed line. Thatis, the optical path of the light guide 605 is so switched as toilluminate the adhesive P2. In this condition, the adhesive P2 ishalf-cured to the above particular degree.

As shown in FIG. 33, recesses 3 a and 4 c may be respectively formed inthe lower portion of the part support 3 and the lower portion of thesubstantially vertical interface 4 a to which the adhesive P1 isapplied. When the adhesive P1 applied to the interface 4 a spreadsdownward due to its own weight, it is scattered into the recesses 3 aand 4 c end stopped thereby. As a result, the thickness of the adhesiveP1 decreases to, in turn, increase the surface tension of the adhesiveP1. The adhesive P1 is therefore prevented from spreading more thennecessary, i.e., dropping.

In summary, it will be seen that the present invention provides a methodand an apparatus for assembling parts having various unprecedentedadvantages, as enumerated below.

(1) A part and a part support are connected together by use ofphotocuring adhesive with the intermediary of intermediate membersformed of a material transparent for light, At this instant, a bandpassfilter cuts light lying in a wavelength range causing the property ofthe intermediate members to change. The intermediate members aretherefore prevented from coloring or deforming despite the radiation ofthe light. Further, the intermediate members are free from deformationascribable to heat derived from the radiation. At the same time, thestructural parts are free from a decrease in assembling accuracyascribable to the deformation of the intermediate members.

(2) Pressing means presses the intermediate members against the part andpart support. As a result, adhesive applied to a first and a secondinterface is spread between the first interface and the part and betweenthe second interface and the part support. Therefore, the area occupiedby the adhesive on each interface and therefore the adhesion strengthincreases. In addition, the thickness and configuration of the adhesiveon each interface can be uniformed in order to enhance the accuracy ofthe individual structural part.

(3) The adhesive applied to the first or substantially verticalinterface has higher viscosity than the adhesive applied to the secondor substantially horizontal interface. The adhesive on the firstinterface is therefore prevented from dropping or turning round to otherportions. It follows that the thickness of the adhesive for connectingthe part and intermediate member and the part support and intermediatemember is uniformed, further enhancing the accurate assembly of the partand part support.

(4) Before the relative position of the part and part support isadjusted, at least the adhesive applied to the first interface ishalf-cured so as not to drop due to its own weight. This is alsosuccessful to prevent the adhesive from dropping and therefore tofurther enhance the accurate assembly.

Various modifications will become possible for those skilled in the artafter receiving the teachings of the present disclosure withoutdeparting from the scope thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of fixing a part and a part support formounting said part via an intermediate member by using adhesive, saidmethod comprising the steps of: positioning the intermediate memberbetween the part and the part support, thereby forming a substantiallyvertical first interface between the intermediate member and the partsupport and a substantially horizontal second interface between theintermediate member and the part; and applying a first adhesive to saidfirst interface and a second adhesive to said second interface whereinthe first adhesive to be applied to said first interface has a higherviscosity than the second adhesive to be supplied to said secondinterface.
 2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first adhesiveto be applied to said first interface has a viscosity causing said firstadhesive to spread downward due to gravity over an area double an areaof said first adhesive initially applied.
 3. A method as claimed inclaim 1, further comprising the step of forming a recess in at least oneof the part support and the intermediate at a lower portion of saidfirst interface.